Header Gasket and bolts

I have header studs but i use split lock washers on the nuts to keep them tight.

Stage 8 lockers with Felpro gaskets. I've had mine for 3 years now with no problems.

They are ARP small block ford header studs i got them from summit they come with regular washer which i ditched for split lock washers. I also use Felpro 1415 gaskets.

felpro 1415 gaskets and breslin SS locking header bolts here. almost 2 years and 18k miles and no exhaust leak yet...

Make sure to get 1" long bolts, not 3/4" as they are not long enough, especially if you have aftermarket headers with a thick flange. And I use Mr.Gasket Copper Gaskets with NO PROBLEMS. They don't burn out and can be reused many times before needing to be replaced

Here is a simple trick to help with bolt length

Stick a small screwdriver in the bolt hole and mark it.

Add the thickness of the part to be bolted down
plus
any other device ... like in this case ... maybe a lock washer

You want a bolt not quite as long as all the measurements

Grady

Breslin makes locking header bolts too. And I think they may be easier than stage 8 locking bolts. I have a set of 1" Breslin bolts.

I'd say you should definitely go with the 1" bolts (and measurng - as mentioned above - is a good idea to make sure you dont bottem out). Then torque em down to 15-20 pounds, lock em in, and you will never have another burnt gasket.

I've used the Stage 8 lock bolts with standard fiber gakets in the past, but they were a real pain to install then retighten after the gaskets compress/dry out. On my last 2 rebuilds, I switched to ARP polished stainless bolts and a set of Earl's gaskets. You simply tighten the bolts until you are actually compressing the aluminum plate. The ARP bolts have a smaller head that makes retightening the bolts (rare occurence) easier. This combo has worked very well for me!!

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=EAR%2D29D03AERL&N=700+400041+4294886211+4294908248+4294908331+115&autoview=sku

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=ARP%2D400%2D1102&N=700+400295+4294908331+4294840126+4294889096+4294888324+115&autoview=sku